Articles about home, SOHO and small-business IT and networking issues

avast! blog » Can you Trust Free Anti-Virus?

My comments on the issue concerning free anti-virus software

I always prefer that every computer has a reputable anti-virus software program running on it and, through this blog, I have always recommended AVG or avast free anti-virus solutions for home users and students. I would also consider the paid-for versions of these programs for users that don’t fit the mould provided for the free versions.

From my experience, these programs and their paid-for equivalents from the same suppliers, can do their job without placing too much stress on the computer. This is compared to the likes of the “big majors” (Trend Micro, Symantec, etc) who supply the computers sold in chain stores with trialware anti-virus solutions that can place a dent on the computer’s performance with their dominant graphics.

As well, the free programs and their paid-for equivalents work tightly with the operating system rather than take over the operating system. This is more so with the latest incarnations of Windows because of the designed-in security functionality that these operating systems have like Windows Firewall. Here, you can do most of your configuring through Windows and your default browser rather than through weird panels that take up a large part of the screen. The programs are as regularly updated as the majors and are even updated to include protection from newer infection vectors like instant messaging.

One thing that AVG, avast and the like could do is “offer” a trade-in deal where if a person who is subscribing to a “major” anti-virus solution like Norton or Trend Micro can switch over to the “professional” versions of these free anti-virus solutions for a cheaper price or for free. If the “professional” solution is sold on a subscription basis, they could offer a longer subscription deal like a “2 years for 1 year” package or a “first year is on us” deal.

This could allow the user to save money on their anti-virus solutions without forfeiting the security level that they are benefiting from..

I have fixed this problem up – I was putting forward the idea of AVG, avast offering a trade-up option for people who are committed to a subscription to Trend Micro or Symantec to “switch” to the value-for-money option provided by AVG or avast.

Norton AntiVirus 2010 is the fastest, most proactive protection against viruses, Trojans and worms. The 2010 version of Norton AntiVirus offers superior performance, improved protection, and tools to help preserve the performance of your PC.

About This Blog

This blog is written to appeal to home users; small business operators such as “mom and pop” shops and micro-businesses; and community groups such as churches who want to get the most out of their information and communications technology, including their small computer network, using technology that is cost-effective and easy for most users to set up.

Here, the common need usually is that most of these groups don’t have dedicated IT staff on hand to assist in acquiring or maintaining their information and communications technology. In a lot of small-business or community-group cases, whoever runs the organisation typically ends up managing the organisation’s technology.

The articles are written in a manner to support the use of commonly-implemented standards where multiple vendors are able to supply products based on these standards. They are also written in a manner where there is no fear or favour in choosing or deploying a particular standard or vendor’s product.

This blog is also about encouraging the provision of safe reliable broadband Internet access that is cost-effective to all wherever they may live. This includes the provision of a reliable broadband service to rural and regional communities, thus facilitating access to Internet activities like working from home, distance education, telemedicine and the benefits of the “world wide library and news service” that is the World Wide Web.

I am also discussing areas where industry needs to work to make technologies accessible to home and small-business computer users. This includes foolproof installation of relatively-sophisticated network setups like multiple-access-point wireless networks or IP-based telecommunications setups.

At times, I have discussed issues concerning information technology in the home from a social perspective such as Internet and social network activity in the home and using the blog as a springboard for information concerning local emergencies.